Anko 2% Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads | Ingredients Explained| CreamScan

Review

Does Anko 2% Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads Work?

Anko 2% Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.

📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

Antimicrobial
Anti-Seborrheic
Fragrance
Preservative
Flavor
Formula helpers

Other

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
85	Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.	Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
6	Glycerin The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective. Glycerin The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.)	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
4	Polysorbate 20 A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions. Polysorbate 20 A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
2 Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website. Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website.	Salicylic Acid This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores. Salicylic Acid This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable.
1.9	PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil A castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil A castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
1	Phenoxyethanol The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless. Phenoxyethanol The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product.
1	Hydroxyacetophenone An antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants. Hydroxyacetophenone An antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging.
1	Gardenia Florida Oil Gardenia Florida Oil	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.	Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
0.3	Benzyl Alcohol A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product. Benzyl Alcohol A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.

Water

Function:

Origin:

Glycerin

Function:

Origin:

Polysorbate 20

Function:

Origin:

Salicylic Acid

Function:

Origin:

1.9

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Function:

Origin:

Phenoxyethanol

Function:

Origin:

Hydroxyacetophenone

Function:

Origin:

Gardenia Florida Oil

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Benzyl Alcohol

Function:

Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %	85
Function	Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Origin	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.

The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.

Glycerin
Est. %	6
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.)

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %	4
Function	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %	2
Function	Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Anti-Seborrheic, Anti-seborrheic ingredients help to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Denaturant Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Denaturant Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

This effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %	1.9
Function	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %	1
Function	Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.

Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %	1
Function	Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

An antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.

Gardenia Florida Oil
Est. %	1
Function	Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Origin	Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.

Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %	0.3
Function	Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.